Narrative of the surveying voyages of his majesty's ships Adventure and Beagle (vol.2): between the years 1826 and 1836 : describing their examination of the southern shores of South America, and the Beagles's circumnavigation of the globe

1835. ADVANTAGES OV A LARGE SHIP. 597 avoided : and although the large ship might be repairing, the knowledge that she was in the Pacific* would be quite sufficient, if she had only established such a character as that which was borne by many a British frigate during the last general war. Such a ship could detach efficient boats for surveying, or other purposes ; she could carry animals, seeds, plants, and poultry, to those islands which have none ; and by her countenance and protection, she could assist and encourage the missionaries in their all-important occupation. * No accident need oblige her to quit that ocean. Many large ships are built there, and never leave its waters. ¥